「 The Professor & I 」VOLUME II

(154) Theresa Cassidy

Charles' POV

John nodded eagerly to Lynn's demand, albeit mostly patronizing given his highly audacious past, but Lynn graciously conceded nonetheless.

"I'll give you the day off. Back to your room for some rest and join the others in class tomorrow morning," Lynn ordered kindly and Storm entered promptly, ushering the boy back to his dormitory.

"You work wonders, my love," I commended, brushing her bleached fringe out of the way and delicately pecked her forehead.

"And you work too hard," she teased, stroking her thumb across the face of my cheek.

Staring at her flawless features as she caressed my face, I firmed my grip around her and pressed her chest against mine. Her slightly stunned eyes contacted mine and I smirked, leaning down to kiss her. Second by second, it turned sensual as her tongue found its way into my mouth but our passionate smooch did not last long like any of our prior attempts the last couple of days, being prematurely interrupted by Hank who activated the sliding doors of the ward.

Lynn and I pulled away though still having each other in our embrace, giving him a discriminating expression and he grinned sheepishly, finding nowhere to place his awkward furry arms.

"The world better be falling apart," I scoffed sarcastically.

"Um, not quite. But we do have a call from Russia and-" Hank informed but was cut off by Lynn.

"Don't worry, I'll get it," Lynn readily volunteered.

"No. You've barely slept," I reasoned, skimming my fingers at the corners of her bloodshot eyes.

"At least I had a nice bed to lie on the entire night," she argued, mustering a brave smile.

"Why don't you let Jean and Storm take care of this themselves?" I persuaded but Lynn was resolutely determined and shook her head.

"We do this as a team, Charles," she insisted.

"But I'll miss you," I mumbled, drawing her into a strong hug.

"I'll miss you, too. But I'll see you when I get home?" She contended, inducing a short chuckle to escape me as she tenderly rubbed my back.

"Yes. I promise this time, my love," I swore and she grinned, planting a kiss to my cheek.

Gathering her disciples, they departed the school premises not too long before Raven's plane finally arrived home. Washing up and settling some miscellaneous paperwork in my office, Raven barged in as usual, but this time, with guests.

"Guess who I found in Ireland!" She sang excitedly and slowly stepped aside to reveal Moira together with a young female ginger whose hair and freckled face appeared strangely familiar.

"Good morning, Professor," Moira greeted, nodding politely.

"Moira?" I blurted in surprise.

"I'm sorry to impose but..." Moira murmured, looking sadly towards the little girl. "Theresa needs help..." Moira declared shakily.

"Not at all. Please, have a seat," I offered, standing up to signal to the vacant chairs opposite my desk.

"You..." Moira stuttered, dazed by the sight and I laughed briefly at my mindlessness when I registered her astonished face.

"We've had it treated-" I clarified but the ringtone of the phone pierced the air, breaking my speech and train of thought.

"I'm sorry. Just a moment," I apologised, picking up the handset.